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Written by striZZZy
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Sunday, 19 February 2012 05:44 |
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New Jersey's Pride Put To Rest
In an attempt to have some form of privacy yet open to the public, the funeral service held at New Hope Baptist church in Newark, New Jersey for the R&B pop icon Whitney Houston was streamed on line but closed off to media on the inside.
A tired, troubled and struggling soul was finally put to rest yesterday afternoon. Though her music was uplifting, piercing and true, her life was begging for a salvation that no one better could help her attain than the Lord. So yesterday was considered Whitney's "Home Going" service. Watch and click HERE
On hand at the funeral were an array of superstars like Tyler Perry, Alicia Keys, Kevin Costner, R.Kelly, Clive Davis, Cissy Houston, Oprah, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, actress Angela Bassett and singers Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Ray J., Brandy, Monica, Jordin Sparks and BeBe Winans.
The eulogy was performed by Pastor Marvin Winans who in an interesting connection was the same Pastor that married Bobby Brown and Whitney and now was responsible for the words to bury the 48yr old singer.
As for the Bobby Brown news that has been circulating concerning his appearance at the funeral, according to reports Brown came later in the service, went straight to the casket and touched it with some quiet words and went to sit with the company he was with.
At which point it is said that Brown and his children were asked to move seats several times, almost causing a distraction during the service. A short time later, Brown and his guest left the service early to which he later responded to as a way to not continue to cause a scene.
Rev Al Sharpton tweeted (yes, I said the same thing. 1) Al Sharpton tweets? 2) Al Sharpton is tweeting updates as the funeral is going on?) his take on the incident saying:
“I am at Whitney's funeral. I spoke with Bobby Brown trying to calm him down and not distract from the services. Today is about Whitney!”
Outside the service, the Reverend then stood up for Brown slightly by saying: “I don't want anyone distorting Bobby Brown. He has shown love and respect today. Stop hatin'.
Aside from the A-listers, the live streaming that some might have found a reality show-esque look and the Bobby Brown ousting, the core of the day was a last note from one of the greatest voices to ever transcend though the airwaves and into our hearts.
Rest In Peace Whitney...
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Written by striZZZy
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Saturday, 11 February 2012 21:00 |
The Voice, The Smile, The Woman
Reports have flooded the internet and so have the sorrow in the hearts of millions that majestic queen of pop music died has died at the age of 48. The music icon was found unresponsive at the Beverly Hilton just hours before Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy Awards party.
As when I the king of pop, Michael Jackson's death hit me... so too does this incredible loss to the world of music.
I may have to come back to write a more in depth article on the cause, findings and details of this tragic passing, but right now I am in as much numbing disbelief as you all.
The accomplishments of 2 Emmy Awards, 6Grammy Awards, 30Billboard Music Awards, 22American Music Awards, among a total of 415 career awards as of 2010. Guiness Book of World Records cited her as the most-awarded female act of all time having sold over 170 million albums and singles worldwide. Those numbers really mark how many lives she touched deeper than awards or plaques she attained.
The devastation has crippled the hearts of the entertainment world with tweets and CNN reporters addressing comments from Johnny Gill to her former husband Bobby Brown.
Her private life made so public, had us all turning to judge the personal life she lived and forgetting the impact her angelic voice and spiritual music had us throughout the generations.
Her zest to live past the demons in her life and the evils around her was an inspiration many felt in her music, her voice and her very smile.
This will be one of several instalments on Whitney Houston on www.strizzzy.com .
Until then, play a Whitney song and think of where she brought you to and whatever hurt she took you away from and be thankful she was with us. |
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Written by striZZZy
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Thursday, 02 February 2012 03:48 |
Getty Images
Don's Soul On The Right Track
Iconic Urban television host and producer of the longest-running nationally syndicated show in history, airing from 1971 through 2006, Don Cornelius died 4am Wednesday morning of what is reported by L.A law enforcement as a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 75yrs old.
As the rest of this piece will highlight the grand success and muscle of the greatest platform in African American music and pop culture on a wider scope, the true sadness of the loss of this life lies in the mind of Don Cornelius.
I thought of Etta James illness, Sarah Burke’s accident and others who recently passed away from unforeseeable deaths. Deaths that could almost be deemed uncontrollable in sense.
But to take your own life at the age of 75 but a self-inflicted gunshot speaks volumes of the depression Mr. Cornelius was shouldering in the light his divorce, career and who knows what other triggers.
It made e think of dear friends I've lost, some that experience the depths of emotional and mental strains now.
I also thought of the brief moment I met Clara Hughes in 2010 and remembering her soft yet sensitive demeanour, only to find that her recent campaign starting this February surrounds the impact of mental health/depression.
So as we celebrate the accolades and impression of a great hero of Black culture that allowed the all people to embrace the culture, on an intra-personal perspective...remember to embrace the people around you with love and support. The signs and cries for help are always present.
Think of Dick Clark and American Bandstand. Now you know Don Cornelius and Soul Train.
In fact his words word: "If I saw `American Bandstand' and I saw dancing and I knew black kids can dance better; and I saw white artists and I knew black artists make better music; and if I saw a white host and I knew a black host could project a hipper line of speech – and I did know all these things [then it was reasonable to try]
Radio, Television and even pop culture owe the highest debt of gratitude to Mr. Don Cornelius. His presence not only showcased a platform for Black culture, but it was the corner stone for education and acceptance of Soul Music and lifestyle worldwide.
The light of African American music, talent, fashion and so many other ties were cemented in Soul Train, giving generations of people from 1971 to 2006 a place they could call home. Artist from James Brown, to Aretha Franklin, to EWF, to RUN DMC, to the late Michael Jackson all had their careers elevated when performing on Soul Train.
Closest we came to emmulating that for the younger generation was Arsenio Hall who echoed many a flava from Soul Train and made accredits his style, passion and delivery of entertainment to the masses to Don Cornelius.
Sometimes you didn't know what was more stunning, Don's catch phrases, colourful outfits or the silkiest and deepest baritone vocal throne that shook your ears and resonated in your Sooooooouuuulllll (I had to do it just once)
Aretha Franklin proclaimed: “It’s just so sad, stunning and downright shocking and a huge and momentous loss to the African-American community and the world at large... Don Cornelius singlehandedly brought about a melding and unity of brother and sisterhood among young adults worldwide and globally with the unforgettable creation of Soul Train.”
Don Cornelius, may you rest in peace...Mind, Body and Soooouuuullll! |
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Written by striZZZy
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Monday, 30 January 2012 04:10 |
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Nice On The Ice
The 2012 NHL All-Star Game took place last night in nation’s capital, Ottawa Canada at the Scotiabank Place. The highly anticipated performance by multi-platinum artist Drake was the talk of the evening. Even his locker room greeting with the players was just as special.
So, the fact that all these NHL professionals were on the ice with cameras and recorders and Ipads in hand, proudly documenting the performance by the hometown hero Drizzy is one thing.
Now, the locker room response took me aback, for real. You would think a hand shake and a nod is one thing or the typical expectance of Iginla showing would be all that Drake would get.
But to hear quotes from Keith Yandle from the Phoenix Coyotes say: "I think I was the first one to go on the ice on our side. I'm a huge Drake fan, I love his music. I'm a big hip-hop guy. It was great to be that close and watching him... All the guys in the locker room can brag about how they have the best rapper now."
On a personal note, Drake was just as elated to meet up with the NHL stars as he mentions how he used to play right wing for a hockey rep team called Weston Lyons. SYK (So You Know) that's Strizzzy's hood Drizzy and my kids are gonna go nuts for that shout out.
Btw, I think there was a game involved here. Either the West or East won 12-9...I think?
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